As much as their fans love the Allman Brothers Band’s recordings, it’s their live performances that have given them the opportunity to play to sold-out crowds for 40 years. So manager Bert Hollman was searching for someone with the talent to produce just the right designs for the band’s tour merch. This need opened the door for artist Ioannis, and based on the fact that the relationship is still strong 15 years later, the band and its fans have been greatly impressed by his now-iconic mushroom-based design. ►

After months of fan speculation bolstered by an October 2008 performance at the “Change Rocks” concert/rally for Barack Obama in State College, Pa., and three recent viral internet videos with band interviews and performance footage, the Grateful Dead have officially announced tour dates for 2009. This marks the band’s first trek since 2004’s “Wave That Flag” tour. ►